Evaluation of the significance of malic acid secretion in chickpea

Abstract

Leaves of chickpea (Cicer urietinum L.) secrete malic acid hut the significance of this secretion is not known. Our studies have confirmed that secretion of malic acid was mostly confined to the day time. PEP carboxylase activity and the secretion of malic acid are associated with the presence of glands on the surface of leaves and fruit wall. PEP carboxylase activity increased while malic acid secretion and MDH activity decreased in water stressed plants. The secretion of malic acid did not influence the reflectance properties of the crop canopy thereby discounting the possibility of reducing radiation load. It is suggested that the significance of malic acid secretion in chickpea should be considered in relation to insect pests which are very few on this plant.